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Monday, April 4, 2011

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PlayStation websites, PSN suffer outage: Anonymous claims responsibility, Sony claims 'sporadic maintenance'

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 11:02 AM PDT

Been having trouble with the PlayStation Network or any Sony website today? You're not alone. A widespread outage that started in Europe last night has now spread to North America, and none other than hacktivist group Anonymous is claiming responsibility for the attacks. As you can see above, however, Sony is singing a slightly different tune, and says simply that "sporadic maintenance" may cause PSN service to be interrupted throughout the day. Because, really, you can never do too much "sporadic" maintenance.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

ASUS claims Transformer is better than a generic tablet, is probably right

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:41 AM PDT

ASUS, you naughty tablet maker, you. Not content with giving your Eee Pad Transformer its own sitcom, you're now coming at the US with an aggressive price and some rather eye-catching promo material to boot. Reminding the world that most tablets come without a keyboard and highlighting your tailor-made solution is all well and good, but did you have to make your "generic" slate look so iPad-ish?

[Thanks, Rob]

Viewsonic ViewBook 730 7-inch Android tablet hits the FCC, gets the full teardown treatment

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:15 AM PDT

Viewsonic ViewBook 730, a 7-inch WiFi tablet, hits the FCC, gets the full teardown treatment
It isn't the ViewPad 7 and it sure doesn't look like this seven-inch wild child either, so what you're looking at is another entry from Viewsonic, the e-reader focused ViewBook 730. It's a seven-inch tablet with WiFi sporting HDMI output and microSD in. We know it's running Android and, while the exact flavor remains to be seen, based on the lock screen image shown in the device's manual it's not looking like the ViewBook 730 will not follow the Iconia Tab A100 as one of the few seven-inchers to be rocking Honeycomb. Android 2.X looks to be on the docket for now. Additionally, that manual talks about copying APK files around to install apps, making Android Market inclusion sound a bit doubtful, too. All that should equate to a low-low price, but such expectations are never safe in this world.

Google bids $900 million for Nortel patent portfolio, will use it as shield against patent trolls

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 09:50 AM PDT

Google and Nortel have agreed on the princely sum of $900 million to start off a "stalking horse" auction -- wherein outside parties are still free to outdo Google's bid -- for the acquisition of Nortel's rather vast patent portfolio. The sale comes as part of the latter company's bankruptcy selloff and involves some 6,000 patents and patent applications, which encompass both wired and wireless communications, semiconductors, data networking, voice, and the internet -- going so far as to even touch on web search and social networking. The thing is, Google's not really enamored with these tidbits of intellectual property to the tune of nearly a billion dollars. No sir, a rather bitter blog post from the company this morning makes it quite clear that Google's acting in order to bolster its own intellectual property library and to "create a disincentive for others to sue." Both Android and Chrome get obliquely mentioned in Google's announcement as benefiting from the move, which should be completed by June of this year pending other bids and regulatory approvals.
Show full PR text
Apr 04, 2011 10:53 ET

Nortel to Sell Patent Portfolio

- Enters into Stalking Horse Sale Agreement with Google Inc. for US$900 million in cash
- Planned sale includes approximately 6,000 patents and patent applications covering a broad range of wired, wireless and digital communication technologies
- Subject to Canadian and U.S. court approvals, auction expected in June 2011

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 4, 2011) - Nortel(1) Networks Corporation (OTCBB:NRTLQ) announced today that it, its principal operating subsidiary Nortel Networks Limited (NNL) and certain of its other subsidiaries, including Nortel Networks Inc. and Nortel Networks UK Limited (in administration), have entered into a stalking horse asset sale agreement with Google Inc. for the sale of all of Nortel's remaining patents and patent applications for a cash purchase price of US$900 million.

The agreement includes the planned sale of approximately 6,000 patents and patent applications spanning wireless, wireless 4G, data networking, optical, voice, internet, service provider, semiconductors and other patent portfolios. The extensive patent portfolio touches nearly every aspect of telecommunications and additional markets as well, including Internet search and social networking.

This agreement follows a confidential, multi-round bidding process involving several interested companies and consortia from around the world.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to acquire one of the most extensive and compelling patent portfolios to ever come on the market", said George Riedel, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Business Units, Nortel. "We look forward to what we hope will be a robust auction, following the requisite court approvals, currently expected to be held in June 2011".

Details of Sale Process

Nortel will file the stalking horse asset sale agreement with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware along with a motion seeking the establishment of bidding procedures for an auction that allows other qualified bidders to submit higher or otherwise better offers, as required under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. A similar motion for the approval of the bidding procedures will be filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Following completion of the bidding process, final approval of the U.S. and Canadian courts will be required.

In addition to the processes and approvals outlined above, consummation of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of regulatory and other customary conditions.

As previously announced, Nortel does not expect that the Company's common shareholders or the NNL preferred shareholders will receive any value from the creditor protection proceedings and expects that the proceedings will result in the cancellation of these equity interests.

Welcome to Engadget

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Hello, and welcome to Engadget. I'll be your new host, Tim Stevens, taking over as Editor-in-Chief and leading you through this wonderful land of technology and innovation... maybe checking out a couple of KIRFs on the way, too. Though our site isn't changing I wanted to introduce myself because, well, we're going to be spending a lot of time together, you and I. So come on in, let's get to know each other.

If you read my Growing Up Geek feature from a few months back you'll not only know that I'm a country-bred gadget lover at heart but also that I cut a pretty dashing figure in a set of Underoos. To give the CliffsNotes version of how I got here: I got my start writing professionally doing videogame reviews about 15 years ago and never looked back. I'm a PC, but after many years of software design and development in many languages on many environments I am truly platform-agnostic. I've been with Engadget for about three years now.

Our site has obviously come a long, long way too since it launched in 2004 and became part of AOL in 2005. In that time we've had a string of amazing editors, including Peter Rojas, Ryan Block, and of course the man we've all learned to know and love since he took over in 2008, our own Joshua Topolsky.

As we all know, that man is sadly leaving to do some amazing things elsewhere, but I'm going to do my very best to fill the very large shoes that were formerly occupied by Josh's rather sizeable feet. Over the past few weeks Engadget has lost some incredibly talented people as well. We're going to miss those folks madly, deeply, but turn that frown upside down, dearie, because a far greater number of equally incredible people are still here doing incredible things, and we'll soon be joined by some other new folks who you're going to really like. We sure do.

Our award-winning Darren "Machine Gun" Murph has already taken the reins as Managing Editor and is working his posterior off like only he can to keep the whole team fit and trim. Somehow he's still managing to hit about three-dozen posts a day, too.

He and I are supported by a ton of hugely talented editors, the ones who keep the text and photos flowing, all listed here. Most of those names should be familiar if you've read the site for some time. You should be comfortable with them and, indeed, the content you see on here in the coming months should feel mighty comfortable too. The podcast will return soon and, while we do have some exciting things coming in the weeks and months ahead, we absolutely won't be making any fundamental changes to what we do or how we do it. And yes, we are going to keep covering techy cars, but I promise not to inundate you with them. After all, we have Autoblog for that.

The entire Engadget team is just going to keep bringing you the news as it happens, we're going to keep reviewing every detail of every gadget that's worth reviewing, and we're going to keep blowing your minds with other killer features. That's the Engadget Way, our way, the only way.

-Tim Stevens
@Tim_Stevens
(The Velvet Sledgehammer)

Vizio Theater 3D HDTVs show up on Amazon, confirm rumored pricing

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 08:38 AM PDT

The 32- and 42-inch versions of Vizio's E3D series HDTVs are now listed for preorder on Amazon at $499 and $699 just as our tipster indicated. The E3D320VX and E3D420VX are currently expected to ship in 3-5 weeks, which should also allow buyers interested in the new FPR-based Theater 3D technology to be among the first pick one up without heading to Walmart. Of course you still can if you want to, a 48-pack of paper towels should go well with your new 3DTV and its dual-sided QWERTY remote.

[Thanks, Phil Z.]

Bionic eye closer to human trials with invention of implantable microchip

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 08:16 AM PDT

We've had our eye -- so to speak -- on Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) for sometime, and with the invention of a new implantable microchip it's coming ever closer to getting the bionic eye working on real-deal humans. The tiny chip measures five square millimeters and packs 98 electrodes that stimulate retinal cells to restore vision. Preliminary tests are already underway, and clinicians are in the process of screening human guinea pigs for sampling the implants -- the first full system is still on track for a 2013 debut. In the interest of future success: here's mud in your eye, BVA! Full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Major advance for bionic eye

UNSW researchers have unveiled the microchip which is expected to power Australia's first bionic eye.

Associate Professor Gregg Suaning, of the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering and a project leader in the national bionic eye consortium, Bionic Vision Australia (BVA), said the new, 98-channel microchip, now undergoing preliminary lab testing, was a major step towards the goal of a functional bionic eye.

"This is a remarkable new microchip that has brought an Australian retinal implant much closer to reality," he said.

"At only five square millimetres, the device is tiny but represents a significant advance in nerve stimulation technology. The design team incorporated never-before attempted features with this design and they absolutely nailed every aspect. The result is mind boggling."

BVA Director, Professor Anthony Burkitt, said the production of the chip, a year after BVA received funding for the bionic eye project, represented "a major advance in technology".

"This microchip is at the heart of the retinal implant, which stimulates the retinal cells to elicit vision. It is an important component in the development of our first bionic vision system that may provide real, functional benefits for patients and make our technology competitive internationally," he said.

The microchip is performing well in preliminary lab testing. It will be at the core of the Wide-View neurostimulator device being developed by BVA, with the first full implant of the system in a patient planned for 2013.

Brooklyn Motorized looks to bring classic styling to new-age electric motorcycles

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 07:54 AM PDT

One of the most beautiful things about motorcycles is that their styling is rather less restrained than your average automobile. Bikes have covered just about every shape and size, largely ignoring crash testing results and aerodynamic concerns, and the upcoming electric motorcycle from Brooklyn Motorized certainly makes little concession for either. It's a scooter-sized thing, with about a 60MPH top speed and a 30 mile range, figures that don't fare particularly well to the competition from Brammo or Zero. But, this two-wheeled wonder is designed for apartment living, the battery pack coming out of the frame for easy charging indoors -- something Zero is only just starting to get behind. Also, cost here is expected to be less than $6,000, which could be plenty enticing indeed. That is, of course, if you don't have very far to go.

Commodore USA's all new C64 finds a friend in Tron on the road to availability

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 07:29 AM PDT

Been a bit skeptical of Commodore USA's promise to bring back the venerable Commodore 64 with some up-to-date PC specs? We can't blame you, but the company is now working to change some minds, and is finally proving that it is in fact the real deal. In addition to revealing some pictures of an early prototype a little while back (pictured after the break), the company has also somehow managed to team up with Disney, and it will be promoting the new C64s with an ad included with every copy of Tron: Legacy (pictured above). Still no word of an actual release date, unfortunately, but Commodore USA will apparently be launching a new website tomorrow to coincide with the DVD and Blu-ray release, so hopefully it will have a few more details to share then. In the meantime, you can check out more prototype shots at the link below.

SpaceX teases 'something big,' suggests we check back April 5th (video)

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 07:04 AM PDT


Okay, okay, so the last time a company teased "something big," they were exaggerating a tad, but this video here comes from SpaceX, maker of giant rockets. So when the only commercial organization that shot a hunk of burning metal into orbit and retreived it back on Earth tells us to look out for something with "five new engines" and "two new rockets" on 11:15AM ET on April 5th, you'd best believe we're going to have our tails firmly pressed into comfy chairs and popcorn at the ready to watch it. Spoiler alert: it's probably the Falcon Heavy.

[Thanks, Doug]

Evoluce releases Kinect-based 'Win & I' gesture interface for Windows 7

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 06:38 AM PDT

We've already seen Evoluce toy around with using a Kinect to control Windows, but it's now taken things one step further with its new "Win & I" software, which promises to let anyone do the same with minimal effort. That comes in both a home edition that offers gesture controls for Windows 7 itself, plus Media Center and other applications (which could be particularly handy for a home theater), as well as a business edition that apparently adds some extra controls specifically tailored to Microsoft Office, and PowerPoint in particular. Head on past the break for a quick video demonstration, and hit up the link below to snag the software if you're interested -- the home edition runs €20, or just under $30 (Kinect not included, obviously).

Update: Well, it looks like Evoluce already has a bit of competition. Upstart company So Touch has now also released its Air Presenter software that will let you liven up your next presentation with more gesturing and hand-waving than usual.


Refactr turns whiteboard into giant 3DS AR card, proves bigger is better (video)

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 06:12 AM PDT

If you haven't already seen our demo of the 3DS' rather impressive bag of augmented reality tricks, then let us take this opportunity to show you -- once again -- why we're excited about the thing's AR capabilities. The folks over at software development firm Refactr have done some tinkering and found that all you need to make your very own 3DS AR card is a white board, some dry erase markers, and a projector. By tracing the outlines of that mysterious question mark card on to a shiny white surface, they found that conjuring the device's AR interface is actually quite simple, and mostly a matter of contrast. Going big, in this case anyway, not only makes for a good time -- as evidenced by the video below -- but it should also put to rest any questions about whether or not these things are sprinkled with pixie dust, Juju powder, or some other magical substance.

Larry Page takes over as Google CEO today, ready to show Tim Cook how it's done

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 05:45 AM PDT

The Page-machine, the Larry-meister, the chief of all Google execs. As announced in late January, Google's top decision-making position is today changing hands from the trusty grip of Eric Schmidt to the slightly less proven hold of co-founder Larry Page. Monsieur Page should be familiar with the role, having performed it until Schmidt was hired back in 2001, but the Google of a decade ago was quite a different beast from the multi-tentacled, omnipresent one it is today. It's probably a good thing, then, that Schmidt is remaining on Google's board in the role of Executive Chairman, with a focus on outward-facing deals and partnerships, while Page takes care of strategic and product development decisions. The other original Google gangster, Sergey Brin, is still a big part of the company's triumvirate at the top, but his attention will be dedicated to developing new projects -- things like that gigabit broadband network Google's just started building in Kansas City, Kansas. As to us, our undivided focus will be placed on coming up with fresh "do no evil" jokes.

webOS VP flies the coop, joins Numenta as marketing guru for imminent product launch

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 05:08 AM PDT

You probably don't know who Joe Hayashi is -- well, unless you skimmed his bio immediately above -- but he just departed one company that you might care about, and went to another one. Hayashi was VP of webOS product development at Palm / HP, and now he's become the VP of marketing at Numenta, also known as the place where Palm's founder (and two former CEOs) decided to stay after the Folio tanked. Numenta's kept fairly quiet during its six years of operation, except to describe a concept called "hierarchical temporary memory" which could lead to a form of artificial intelligence based on human learning schemes, but we imagine if it needs a marketing guy, the company's about ready to actually create something. For its part, Numenta agrees -- it's publicly stated that we'll see the technology in some sort of product later this year.

Panasonic's first rewriteable 100GB BD-RE XL discs launch later this month

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 04:27 AM PDT

For those stuck between the flexibility of HDD storage and the archiving ease of BDXLs Panasonic is finally ready to bridge the gap with its new triple layer BD-RE XL discs, set to arrive April 15th in Japan. Being the first rewriteable BDXL is the LM-BE100J's claim to fame, which works out since the 10,000 yen ($118 US) asking price means buying two is probably out of the question. The latest burners from Pioneer and Buffalo already support the new discs, owners of other hardware may want to double check their spec sheets before ordering.

Blaze's U-Move controls your Wii, makes you jog to play effectively (video)

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 03:46 AM PDT


Now that your Wii Balance Board is safely tucked underneath the couch and you've long ago discovered that every standard Nintendo title can be played with the flick of a wrist, you might be wondering how you'll ever convince yourself to exercise again. Well, there are certainly a few dangling-carrot solutions to your problem, and here's one that actually makes sense -- the Blaze U-Move, a Nunchuk replacement (with built-in pedometer) that effectively locks your joystick in place. The idea is that unless you're moving, your avatar can't move, and when you do, it can -- each time you jog in place, you're building up virtual momentum. That certainly sounds like a much more graceful and practical solution than others we've seen, which turn off the entire controller or (Miyamoto forbid) cut power to your entire game machine. This way, you can stop running when you need to do some precision aiming, and set your mind at ease regarding your save game. Yours for £20, or about $32 in US currency.

Visualized: 1,235 potential alien planets

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 03:15 AM PDT

The tiny black dots set against their glowing host stars above represent 1,235 potential alien planets discovered by NASA's Kepler mission. With any luck, at least one of them has never heard of Justin Bieber.

Sony's Howard Stringer confirms Honeycomb tablet in US by summer (update)

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 02:25 AM PDT

Ready to taste a sweet Honeycomb tablet with a Sony twist? You'd better be -- Japan's Nikkei is quoting Sony chief executive, Sir Howard Stringer, saying that the company's first Android 3.0 tablet will be on sale by the end of summer. Better yet, it'll pop for retail in the US first, according to the report. This lines up nicely with the reported September launch of a PlayStation Certified Tegra 2 "S1" tablet featuring a 9.4-inch display and unique "wrap" design that we first told you about back in February. Or will it be the S2 clamshell? Who knows, Howard isn't saying. The new tablet tattle was apparently uttered at the same event where Howard spilled the beans about Apple's plan to use Sony sensors. Come on Howie, quit the teasing and just come out with it you saucy Welsh minx.

Update: Sony told Japanese site AV Watch that it will release the tablet before the end of this year. It's unclear if the comment relates to the domestic Japanese model or if it's meant to temper expectations after the company's rogue CEO spoke out of turn. Regardless, it's coming.

Acer's 7-inch Iconia Tab A100 priced at £300 in UK, launching April 20th

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 01:05 AM PDT

Boy oh boy, these Taiwanese companies are seriously gunning to take the bottom out of the Honeycomb tablet market. After we saw ASUS stride forward with very competitive pricing on its 10-inch Eee Pad Transformer, we're now being treated to Acer's riposte, an eminently reasonable £300 ($483) price tag attached to its 7-inch Iconia Tab. Nothing is really skimped on here, you get the dual-core Tegra 2 and Android 3.0 one-two punch of hardware and software that's become so popular lately, and of course the RAM is 512MB, not KB as indicated on Amazon's listing. Perhaps the 8GB of storage will be a little on the light side, but given the price, we consider that a most forgivable shortcoming. Amazon notes the release date as April 20th in the UK and we doubt the rest of the world will have to wait much longer either.

Kinect used to make teleconferencing actually kind of cool (video)

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 12:26 AM PDT

No matter how hard Skype and others try to convince us otherwise, we still do most of our web communications via text or, if entirely unavoidable, by voice. Maybe we're luddites or maybe video calling has yet to prove its value. Hoping to reverse such archaic views, researchers at the MIT Media Lab have harnessed a Kinect's powers of depth and human perception to provide some newfangled videoconferencing functionality. First up, you can blur out everything on screen but the speaker to keep focus where it needs to be. Then, if you want to get fancier, you can freeze a frame of yourself in the still-moving video feed for when you need to do something off-camera, and to finish things off, you can even drop some 3D-aware augmented reality on your viewers. It's all a little unrefined at the moment, but the ideas are there and well worth seeing. Jump past the break to do just that.

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide gets PC-assisted Froyo update

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 11:27 PM PDT

Gingerbread may not be a very likely option, but T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide users can now get a dessert of another sort (albeit a slightly stale one), as the phone has finally received an update to Android 2.2 (a.k.a. Froyo). Unfortunately, there's apparently no over-the-air update planned, and the software required for the installation is Windows-only, so anyone with a Mac looking to upgrade will have to find a PC-using friend willing to help them out. If you're all set to go, however, you can download the update from HTC at the source link below.

[Thanks, Frenchy]

redsn0w untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.1 released for Windows and OS X, lacks iPad 2 support

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 10:45 PM PDT

If you've been waiting for a nice, easy jailbreak solution for iOS 4.3.1, then today's your lucky day: Dev-Team's just released redsn0w 0.9.6rc9 for both Windows and OS X, allowing us mere mortals to free our supported devices -- iPhone 3GS, 4 (GSM); iPod touch 3G, 4G; iPad 1; and Apple TV 2G -- with a few simple clicks. Alas, there are a couple of caveats: the iPad 2 isn't supported here, as Cupertino has somehow managed to tighten up its security to fend off hackers (for now); and ultrasn0w users have also been told to hang tight until there's a compatibility fix -- Dev-Team will announce on Twitter when this becomes available. As for those who are eligible for this new jailbreak, head over to Dev-Team's website for the download links, and make sure you have the corresponding IPSW files handy as well -- you can find them over at iClarified or on your favorite search engine.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Next-gen iPod nano chassis hints at camera?

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 09:51 PM PDT

Here's yet another juicy leak from China to go with your breakfast. Delivered by the same folks who brought us the sixth-gen iPod nano display module leak, this time we have what appears to be a chassis for the next touchscreen nano. According to Apple.pro, the circular hole at the top right is likely to house a little camera, which would bring back the good old days with the camera-donning fifth-gen nano. Obviously, to make space for such an imager here, the spring-loaded clip on the back would have to be downsized and shifted, which would explain why the four screws are off-centered here, unlike those on the current-gen nano (as seen in iFixit's teardown shot after the break). That said, let's not forget that this rumor is coming straight out of KIRFdom, so we'll remain skeptical until this baby pops out around September time, as has been the case with most nano launches in the past.

Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro successor spotted as SK17i, sports Gingerbread

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 09:27 PM PDT

Looking for your fibrous dose of gadget leak? Look no further than China which has, again and again, outed several spy shots of what appears to be the Xperia X10 Mini Pro's successor. Dubbed the SK17i and codenamed "Mango," this time we're looking at some proof of Android 2.3 on this little Sony Ericsson slider, along with a homescreen UI not dissimilar to that of the X10 Mini and X8 series. Other than that, we're not seeing anything new here, though we can't help but wonder if the unused Xperia Duo trademark has finally found its rightful owner -- you know, maybe Duo as in a two-part slider phone? As always, only time will tell.

[Thanks, @Tehpriest]

TDK's new line of Boomboxes and audio gear now officially available

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 08:03 PM PDT

TDK has slowly been rolling out some of its new audio gear since it first showed off the line at CES in January, but it's now finally officially announced that the whole lot is readily available across the US and Canada. That includes both its two-speaker and three-speaker Boomboxes, its "room-filling" Sound Cube, a set of high-end headphones, and even a belt-drive turntable -- those range in price from $249 for the headphones to $499 for the three-speaker boombox. Of course, while TDK is boasting quite a bit about the sound of the gear, it's also placing a heavy emphasis on their appearance, for which it can thank design firm Ziba. Don't miss the more coverage links below for a bit of insight into how it crafted the products.
Show full PR text
New Line of TDK Life on Record Premium Audio Equipment Now Available in Stores and Online

Global Audio Brand's Acclaimed New Line Available at Best Buy and Amazon.com, Among Others

OAKDALE, Minn., March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TDK Life on Record, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), today announced the retail availability of its anticipated new line of premium audio equipment in the United States and Canada, following a successful debut at Austin's The FADER FORT by FIAT. The bold new line, which has received a number of positive reviews in 2011, features 2 and 3 Speaker Boomboxes; a 360-degree Sound Cube; two Belt Drive Turntables; and audiophile-quality Headphones.

In addition to online availability in the United States and Canada, shoppers will find the 2 Speaker Boombox on the shelves of Best Buy stores throughout North America, with additional in-store availability set for April 2011.

With a majority of the new TDK Life on Record audiophile products available today at Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com and Canadian retailer Future Shop (both in stores and online), the Turntables will be available throughout the region in April. Additional retailers will also begin offering selected products in April, including J&R, La Curacao, Sears.com and Nebraska Furniture Mart.

This new line of premium audio equipment from TDK Life on Record blends the warm experience of analog with the precision and convenience of digital technology. The integration of a unique visual equalizer – a "visual heartbeat" – brings the music to life, driving the listening experience by creating a strong visual connection with the music. Featuring generous controls and fine tuning features, the products let listeners control and customize their listening experience. Each product embodies hi-fidelity sound and combines clean, striking designs with precision performance to enhance the music experience.

"In designing the new TDK Life on Record premium audio products, we hoped to create bold products that connect what people love about analog with the convenience and style of new digital technology," said Steve Swenson, Global Brand Manager for TDK Life on Record. "The response to what we created has exceeded our expectations. With the products on shelves for people to discover, we are excited to hear about their first-hand listening experiences with the new line."

The new lineup of TDK Life on Record audio products includes:

Boomboxes

TDK Life on Record brings this original music culture icon back to life – combining dynamic sound performance, premium surfaces and features that let you customize music your way. Like the music itself, the TDK Boombox is an out-loud expression of your musical identity. It is the perfect combination of digital precision and analog ideals, recalling a time when music was tangible and tactile, as well as warm and vibrant.

An innovative equalizer gives the music a visual heartbeat, while touch-sensitive buttons and generous controls deliver simple and intuitive interaction. Digital data streaming allows premium audio decoding and playback while charging Apple iPod and iPhone devices.

* 3 Speaker Boombox
Availability: Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com and Future Shop/Futureshop.com
A dedicated, high excursion 6-inch subwoofer driver and two 6-inch coaxial drivers deliver dynamic, full range sound and a striking, retro look.
* 2 Speaker Boombox
Availability: Best Buy and Future Shop/Futureshop.com
Two powerful six-inch coaxial drivers deliver balanced, full range sound while the integrated handle and tailored shoulder strap make the boombox easily portable.


Inputs for both 2 and 3 Speaker Boomboxes include USB, 3.5mm and auxiliary ports for connections to an iPod, iPhone, smartphone or USB flash drive. Users can also plug in a guitar or microphone and mix with other music sources.

Sound Cube

Availability: Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com and Future Shop/Futureshop.com

The Sound Cube Audio System is designed to fill your space with sound. Refining the hi-fi audio system to its most essential parts, the Sound Cube is a movable and sharable centerpiece for out-loud expressions of personality. This audio system's compact, sleek frame belies both its powerful sound, and its advanced capabilities. As a showpiece, the Sound Cube is as visually arresting as it is sonically impressive, with sound ports on each of its four sides delivering 360 degrees of sound. With its tailored handle and lightweight and solid frame, the Sound Cube begs to be seen and shared with the world.

Two powerful 5 1/4-inch coaxial drivers deliver full range sound. Play your iPod/iPhone music while charging using the USB to 30 pin Apple cable. Inputs include USB, 3.5mm and auxiliary ports for connections to an iPod, iPhone, smartphone or USB flash drive. Users can also plug in a guitar or microphone and mix with other music sources.

Belt Drive Turntables

Availability: Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com and Future Shop/Futureshop.com

TDK Life on Record brings the warmth of analog into the modern age with these advanced belt drive turntables. A perfect balance of performance and style, the exposed belt drive isolates the platter from motor noise, and is continuously monitored by an optical speed sensor and is adjusted to a perfect 33 1/3 or 45 rpm.

The uniquely illuminated tone arm and graphic equalizer provide the warmth and visual heartbeat to the modern, yet classic design, along with the freedom to use almost any stylus and cartridge from standard to truly premium through a universal connection.

The TDK Life on Record USB Belt Drive Turntable is the essential next step in the vinyl revival. With an integrated pre-amp, USB output, cable and included software (for Windows® OS), listeners can import/convert tracks from vinyl to MP3 format on the fly with minimal effort. By simply dropping the needle on the USB Turntable vinyl owners can archive an entire record collection to digital format.

Headphones

Availability: Amazon.com and Future Shop/Futureshop.com

The TDK Life on Record High Fidelity Headphones re-imagine the personal listening experience. For the professional and the aficionado, the ST800 headphones prioritize function, comfort and craftsmanship alongside technical superiority, high fidelity and sonic range. With metallic detailing and genuine leather accents, they are visually stunning, exuding a sense of casual luxury while the multi-directional cup design delivers optimal fit and comfort.

Sonically tuned by the TDK Life on Record Audio Research Lab, the ST800 headphones deliver authentic sound, optimized for any genre, at any volume. High-performance 50mm drivers deliver amazing clarity and range. On-ear volume and mute controls are always within your reach, and an in-line equalizer with visible display lets you adjust bass and treble levels separately.

U.S. Pricing:

$499 - 3 Speaker Boombox

$399 - 2 Speaker Boombox

$299 - Sound Cube

$399 - USB Belt Drive Turntable

$299 - Belt Drive Turntable

$249 - Headphones

About TDK Life on Record Audio Products

TDK Life on Record, a leading global brand with a rich audio legacy, is dedicated to personalizing and enhancing audiophiles' ever-evolving digital music lifestyles. TDK Life on Record audio products are carefully crafted to focus on performance, marrying a clean, striking design with the precision and flexibility of modern technology. This world-class line of premium audio products delivers a warm, authentic, high-fidelity entertainment experience. The TDK Life on Record logo is a trademark owned by TDK Corporation and is licensed exclusively to Imation Corp., a leading global developer and marketer of brands that empower people to capture, save and enjoy digital information. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Imation and the Imation logo are trademarks of Imation Corp. The TDK Life on Record Logo is a trademark of TDK Corporation used under license.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Renewable art touches the sky, an electric Audi TT, and cryogenic energy

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 06:30 PM PDT

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week Inhabitat saw renewable energy projects blast off around the world as Kenya announced the construction of the largest wind farm in Africa and a team of Georgia Tech researchers developed a heart-powered nanobattery that can charge your gadgets on the go. We also learned that the mixture of saltwater and fresh water in estuaries could provide for 13% of the world's power needs, and we took an in-depth look at a cryogenic energy system that produces electricity from liquefied air. Finally, we showcased photographer Mitch Epstein's haunting photos of "American Power" which recently won the Prix Pictet prize.

It was also an epic week for architecture as the Pritzker Prize - the world's highest architecture honor - was awarded to Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. We also saw a high-tech solar skyscraper with a mind-bending wavy facade rise in Seoul, and we shared 15 visions for skyscrapers of the future -- from vertical farms to shipping container towers and oil rig cities.

Finally, this week we saw a bright future dawn for green transportation as a team of students unveiled a hyper-modified electric Audi TT that is powered by solar energy. We also learned that the European Union is considering banning gas cars by 2050, and we took a look at Microsoft's new database that tells you the cheapest place to charge your EV. Last but not least, we brought you a 10-seater pedal-powered party bike, and we showcased a stylish LED-lit jacket designed to keep cyclists safe at night.

Switched On: Techonciliation

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 05:30 PM PDT

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
"Don't throw the past away. You might need it some rainy day."

-Peter Allen, from the song "Everything Old Is New Again"
During the late '90s and early '00s, the hype bubble grew large about a number of ideas that never reached critical mass. WebTV was going to democratize the Internet, but it devolved into a market niche after being acquired by Microsoft. WiFi providers such as MobileStar and later Cometa Networks hoped to build vast WiFi networks that would compete with cellular plans. Those bubbles popped back in the day, but curiously, companies are now willing to pump some energy back into them. The question is whether they are in any better position to float this time around.

TV and the Web. WebTV and its MSN TV successors faced a number of challenges trying to create a Web experience on a standard-definition television, and didn't help their prospects much with a subscription model. Since those days, the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii have both implemented basic Web browsers, but now a new generation of TVs and add-on boxes are making the leap too, with Google TV-based devices from Logitech and Sony in the market since last fall, and Samsung recently announcing that its new generation of smart TVs will include a full Web browser. Today's flat-panel HDTVs overcome the limited resolution and interlaced displays that challenged WebTV, and most of the plug-ins of that era have faded away on their own, with Flash being the only modern sticking point.

Another big difference between today's Web and that of WebTV is the flurry of video available to watch -- enough content to inspire the creation of sites like Clicker just to keep track of it all. However, just because the video is out there does not mean that content companies want you to view it on your television screen, as the rash of companies blocking access to their video content to browsers on TV -- even when such content is freely available to any desktop PC. Also, Internet-delivered video has been a double-edged sword for internet TV adoption, as many manufacturers are packaging up services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus as standalone services (or "TV apps") that could substitute for Web-based video.

Input and user interface remains a challenge with few consumers wanting a full-sized keyboard in their living room. However, one of the benefits of integration with the TV (or popular add-on devices such as Blu-ray players) is that manufacturers such are building integrated thumb keyboards into their remote controls, largely preserving the small form factor of these handheld devices in offerings from Samsung and Vizio. Google TV supports the software keyboards on cell phones as an input method as well.

Skype Access expands, now unlocks over 500,000 hotspots

Carriers and WiFi. Despite cellular networks becoming faster than ever, WiFi is fast becoming a standard feature of smartphones. The benefits include being able to control and transmit content to devices around the home -- using methods such as DLNA and AirPlay -- but it's also helpful for offloading internet traffic that would otherwise be applied towards one's cell phone bill. Many handsets now have the ability to automatically switch to WiFi where it is detected, which works well in known hotspots such as the one they may have at home, but the processes for getting onto free and paid public hotspots can be fraught with confusion, and occasionally risks, too.

At the CTIA Wireless expo last month, we saw two announcements that may serve to make that easier. Boingo, a company that has long facilitated roaming across paid hotspots, will build support for free public hotspots into its software. And over the longer-term, the Wi-Fi Alliance has announced that it is working with major cellular carriers on a new method that aims to make finding and paying for hotspot networks owned by large carriers as transparent as cellular roaming is today (although presumably much cheaper for international usage). Such streamlined WiFi roaming would benefit customers visiting destinations both within their country as well as outside of it. The downside is that such a progam will take time, and of course its success will depend on which of the major carriers support it, and how quickly they make their move.

The next Switched On will discuss another traditionally contentious tech combination left for dead that at least one company is now willing to tackle anew.
Ross Rubin (@rossrubin) is executive director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group. Views expressed in Switched On are his own.

Rube Goldberg Machine to set new world record, bring forth apocalypse

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 04:12 PM PDT


If you've never seen the rise and fall of humanity as told by a series of pulleys, levers, and CO2 rockets, now's your chance -- a team of Purdue engineers have built a contraption that not only tells the history of the world through the end of days, but is also a contender for the world's largest Rube Goldberg machine. The Purdue team's "Time Machine" catalogs a history of dinosaurs, war, and rock 'n roll before finally culminating in a cataclysmic inferno and efflorescent renewal in 232 steps -- narrowly beating out the previous record of 230 set by Ferris State University in 2010. Impressive, but not officially the "world's largest" just yet-- the team is submitting a video of a flawless run to Guinness World Records to certify the historic thingamajig, hopefully eking out a victory with its two step lead.

Crucial's M4 / C400 SSD reviewed, hitting store shelves in late April for an undisclosed sum

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 03:01 PM PDT

When Micron's RealSSD C300 came out, there were no competitors in sight -- 355MB / sec read speeds and a SATA 6Gbps interface made for an unbelievably spritely (though also finicky) solid state drive. Today, that's simply not the case, as Intel's SSD 510 and OCZ's Vertex 3 are furiously fighting for the crown in the high-end consumer SSD space. On or about April 26th, the C300's successor will hit the market branded as the Crucial M4, but this time it won't be the cream of the crop, as even though it's assuredly a speed demon, it's actually shown up by its predecessor in a few tests. In particular, AnandTech noted that the drive seems to have sacrificed sequential read performance in exchange for faster write speeds -- and was worried slightly about Crucial's delayed garbage collection routine -- but overall, reviewers are coming away fairly happy with the speedy performance they're seeing. Still, the most crucial variable, price, has yet to be revealed -- over a year later, the C300 remains an expensive drive, but the new C400 uses Micron's 25nm NAND flash, which could make solid state storage cheaper.

Read - AnandTech
Read - The Tech Report
Read - Hardware Heaven
Read - Tom's Hardware

ContourGPS Connect View app hands-on

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 01:45 PM PDT

The $350 ContourGPS sits among the top-tier of consumer-friendly helmet cams, but it's always posed one major problem: you can't really tell where it's pointing. Sure, it shoots a pair of wicked lasers out of the front, but it's always a challenge to gauge the extents of its 135 degree lens. We knew there was a secret trick in there waiting to be unleashed, which we got to play with at CES, and now here it is. Contour has released its Connect View functionality for iOS, letting you view live footage from the camera right on your phone. Keep reading for our full impressions.
Contour Connect View

Hardware


The ContourGPS helmet camera has a GPS receiver built in, as you might have guessed. Interestingly, though, it also has Bluetooth functionality lurking within, disabled at first but now unleashed with the release of a suitable receiving app. The latest camera firmware turns it on and, if you install the (free) app from Contour onto your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can pair the two up.

But first you need to install a little augmentation. Apple requires some certified hardware inside the camera, so you'll need to cough up $29.99 for the Connect View card. It slots in next to the battery and lets camera talk to phone (or PMP, or tablet). We're told this won't be necessary for the Android release that's coming later, which is mighty good news for synthetic humanoids.

Once the card is installed and the firmware updated you're ready to pair. To connect you need to hold the "hidden" button on the ContourGPS down, which is located beneath the slider on top. This requires a healthy squeeze and, if done with enough vigor, will set the camera's status light blinking blue. At that point you can pair it to your device and launch the app.

Testing

We were at first having troubles getting the camera and our receiver (a fourth-gen iPod touch) to reliably connect, but a reboot of both devices quickly fixed that. Once paired all that's required is a crushing of the hidden button and, a few seconds later, the two are talking to each other. The problem is that "button" is difficult to find and, even when located, difficult to press. A proper button would have been nice, since you'll be using it a good amount.

The app itself offers a somewhat grainy but definitely workable image of what the camera is seeing, letting you line up the perfect shot before you strap into whatever exotic adventure you're about to partake. That's handy, but even more so is the ability to tweak camera settings. Previously you could only change things like resolution and exposure when the camera was tethered to a computer. Now you can quickly do it in the field. This is a huge step forward, and the app even helps the camera's GPS get a lock.

When you start recording the camera automatically disconnects, so you'll need to squeeze the button after every shot if you need to adjust positioning. Having to manually reconnect each time is a bit of a drag, but probably better than the battery drain you'd get by leaving Bluetooth constantly on.

Wrap-up

Contour Connect View isn't exactly a perfect experience -- the positioning of the button sucks, spending another $30 on a $350 helmet cam stings, and we'd really like to be able to review recorded footage -- but ultimately if you already have the camera and the Apple hardware this is worth the extra money. Knowing which way the camera is pointed is great, but being able to change exposure settings without lugging along a laptop is a lifesaver, especially when we were chasing the setting sun and using this camera to grab footage for our Tesla Roadster review. So, yes, it's worth the money if you're on iOS, but we can't wait to try out the Android version.

Logitech ratchets up the competition with M325 wireless mouse

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 12:34 PM PDT

You know that pseudo-tactile feeling you get when you fondle your mouse's clicky scroll wheel, the one that satisfies your obsessive need to touch everything? Logitech wants to give you more clicks, and smoother scrolling to boot. This M325 wireless mouse's new "micro-precise" scroll wheel features 72 tiny ratchets, making our self-counted 22-ratchet mouse wheel seem downright barbaric by comparison -- not that we ever really considered the number of teeth our mice had before now. The rodent's 18-month battery life won't quite live up to your 2-year Couch Mouse, but at least they can share a Logitech Unifying Receiver. Your scroll wheel of tomorrow can be had for $40 later this month, or £30 right now for lucky folks in the UK.

Man steers R/C car with his hands, not to mention an HTML5-based web app (video)

Posted: 03 Apr 2011 11:21 AM PDT


With the right Arduino board, an R/C race car, a couple paperclips and the MacGyver spirit, we imagine most anyone can hack together a creative remote control these days... but how many can open-source an HTML5 web app that'll do the deed from any tablet, phone or PC? Gaurav Manek crafted just such a thing, and he'll demonstrate it for you on an Apple iPad in the video immediately above. What's more, he's also got a Kinect hack that uses Microsoft depth camera (with Code Laboratories' NUI SDK) to control the very same with the wave of a well-placed hand -- we're already envisioning fisticuffs should he and a lab partner try for some head-to-head racing action. That said, you don't need to wait for an illustrious creator to have all the fun. Why not download his source code at our links below and give it a go yourself?
at 11:40 AM

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